Question

The ribosome of the bacterium E. coli includes the ribosomal protein L4 (rpl4). The rpl4 gene carries the instructions for making rpl4 protein. Which of the following arguments provides support for the claim that E. coli has a common ancestor with all other organisms?

A. Every organism depends on proteins to carry out essential cellular processes. Ribosomes are needed by all organisms to synthesize proteins such as rpl4.

B. Every organism possesses in its ribosome a protein that is similar to rpl4. This protein has an amino acid sequence that is similar to the sequence of E. coli's rpl4.

C. Every organism contains a structure that is similar to a ribosome. This structure helps convert the instructions from the rpl4 gene into amino acids.

D. Every organism has proteins made of amino acids. The code for amino acids is the same in E. coli because the instructions for amino acids come from the DNA. DNA contains the same components in all organisms.

Answer 1

B. Every organism possesses in its ribosome a protein that is like rpl4. This protein has an amino acid sequence similar to the row of E. coli's rpl4.

Step-by-step explanation:

A similar protein with an identical amino acid sequence in the ribosomes of various organisms supports the idea of a common ancestor. Furthermore, this suggests a shared evolutionary history among different species, as conserving such a critical protein implies its importance in the fundamental process of protein synthesis.